Michigan

Michigan War Dog to be buried with full military honors this weekend

People say their goodbyes to Cena a 10-year-old black lab who was a military service dog before they leave for his last ride at the LST 393 in downtown Muskegon on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Cena was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer after DeYoung noticed he wasn't putting weight on his front left leg. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

The basics

Those who knew Cena or heard his story will have another chance to bid farewell and thank the war dog for his service.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran dog passed away on Wednesday, July 26, after a battle with terminal bone cancer. He was 10 years old, and had served three tours in Afghanistan before retiring in 2014.

Lance Cpl. U.S. Marine veteran Jeff DeYoung and Cena a 10-year-old black lab who was a military service dog ride away for his last ride before being put down aboard the LST 393 in downtown Muskegon on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Cena was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer after DeYoung noticed he wasn't putting weight on his front left leg. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Jeep convoys

At least two Jeep convoys will make their way to Cena's funeral service on Saturday. Scroll down for details on convoys leaving from Muskegon and the Kalamazoo area.

cena war dog14.JPG

People say their goodbyes to Cena a 10-year-old black lab who was a military service dog before they leave for his last ride at the LST 393 in downtown Muskegon on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Cena was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer after DeYoung noticed he wasn't putting weight on his front left leg. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

The Southwest Michigan convoy to Cena's funeral will roll out at 8 a.m. from the park and ride at Oakland Drive Park in Portage. The convoy will travel via I-94 to the Michigan War Dog Memorial.

Around 8:25 a.m., there will be a 10-minute stop at the Battle Creek rest area at mile marker 96. More Jeeps can join the convoy during the stop.

Around 9:40 a.m., there will be a 10-minute stop at the Chelsea rest area near mile marker 161 where more Jeeps may join the convoy.

Around 10:35 a.m., the convoy should arrive at Walmart in New Hudson, 30729 Lyon Center, for a 20-minute stop before heading to the Michigan War Dog Memorial.

cena war dog13.JPG

Jeff DeYoung and Cena a 10-year-old black lab who was a military service dog ride away for his last ride before being put down aboard the LST 393 in downtown Muskegon on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Cena was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer after DeYoung noticed he wasn't putting weight on his front left leg. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Glympse app

Glympse is a real-time GPS location-sharing app that the convoys will use to help those joining along the way.

Anyone not joining the convoys at the start points or rest areas can wait along the side of on ramps along the expressways, either I-96 or I-94, and join the convoy after it passes.

People are asked to stage on the ramps no more than five minutes before the convoy passes. Using Glympse should make the process easy.

Those joining the convoy from Muskegon, traveling on I-96, should download the app by Friday, Aug. 25, and search "Jeff and Cena."

Those joining the Southwest Michigan convoy, traveling on I-94, should text "Cena," their name and the on-ramp they plan to use to 269-251-0141 by Friday, Aug. 25.